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Funeral Wake Venues For Hire In The New Forest, UK

Funeral Wake

The majestic New Forest is an ever-evolving landscape. Magical woodland, wild heath and rugged coastline continually change throughout the seasons, each equally beautiful and unforgettable.

For those who choose the New Forest as a place to hold a funeral wake or memorial reception, this incredible, powerful place feels somehow fitting for such a significant event.

The end of life is a poignant time when we say goodbye to someone we love. A funeral wake is a precious opportunity to recall special memories and to honour a loved one’s life in the presence of family and friends. A memorial reception after a funeral can also be a chance for people who were unable to attend a more private funeral to pay their respects and feel part of things.

There are no rights or wrongs, and no rule book to follow when it comes to marking this sensitive and moving time of life. Some people choose to create a living will, making preparations before their death and booking a suitable venue for an end of life celebration.

At other times, it is up to the close family to decide what feels right. This might be an intimate dinner reception with room to talk over a good meal, or a more informal afternoon tea, with friends bringing photographs and memories to share. In the summer, a larger gathering outside led by a celebrant, with readings or perhaps some music, can feel appropriate.

What’s most important is that anyone organising such an event feels confident in the venue they choose, and well supported by the professional team responsible for making sure the funeral reception goes smoothly.

Beaulieu Inn exterior
Wedding cake on table

Funeral wake venues in the New Forest

The New Forest Collection hotels each offer some wonderful options suitable for anyone organising a funeral wake or end of life celebration in the New Forest.

First, there’s Grade II-listed Bartley Lodge, a magnificent country house hotel near Lyndhurst. Breathtaking grounds are perfect for summertime gatherings, and you can choose between several indoor spaces for up to 80 guests. 

The Baronial Hall at Bartley Lodge is impressively spacious, whilst the bright, airy and elegant Orangery is ideal for more intimate gatherings, as is the gorgeous Georgian room. All of these rooms overlook the gardens and have direct access to a large stone terrace, perfect for afternoon tea. 

Burley Manor, set within an 800 year-old estate, is also quite spectacular, and is an infinitely versatile venue ideal for a funeral wake, memorial or end of life celebration for up to 80 guests. There are two superb rustic barns that are bright and airy in warmer months, and beautifully warm with log fires in the winter. 

Inside the Manor itself, the historic drawing room or conservatory are ideal for smaller events, with views over the neighbouring deer park. Dinner at the chef’s table is also perfect for a special, intimate gathering of family and friends.

If you’re looking for a more contemporary space to host a funeral wake or end of life celebration, elegant townhouse hotel Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst is an ideal choice. The Forest Suite, with its pretty courtyard garden, can host up to 150 guests, so whether you’re planning a quiet lunch, or a larger gathering for a memorial dinner, Forest Lodge is a great venue to consider for a funeral wake. 

Beaulieu Inn is another charming venue, characterful and quirky, and located right in the midst of the wild heath. It’s the largest of all the hotels, able to accommodate up to 120 of your guests within its elegant and spacious Beaulieu Suite, or up to 250 for a standing canape reception.

The Ipley or Exbury rooms at Beaulieu are more intimate settings, comfortably hosting up to 80 guests, and both have access to the beautiful gardens.

Bread platter on wood

Award-winning dining

Each of these exceptional funeral reception venues offer fabulous award-winning dining options. Locally sourced and seasonal produce features on every plate, and the hotel is able to craft bespoke menu options to suit your particular needs. 

Forest with road
Burley Manor exterior with deers

Easily accessible New Forest locations

Each of the New Forest Collection hotels is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK and beyond, with excellent links via road and rail. There are also local airports at both Bournemouth and Southampton, with Heathrow and Gatwick not more than 90 minutes away, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.

If you or your guests are travelling by car, complimentary parking is available and there are EV charging points at every venue.

If you are looking to book a funeral wake, memorial reception or end of life celebration in the New Forest, do talk with the dedicated, friendly and professional team at your chosen venue about the kind of atmosphere you’d like to create, and bring all your questions. 

They understand that this may not be an easy time, and are there to help in any way they can. They are on hand to make sure your event is perfectly managed and feels effortless, so you and your guests are able to relax as much as possible, remembering your loved one and taking comfort in the presence of one another.

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